. >> regardless of partisan differences, our top priority has to be to make sure that taxes on middle class families do not go up. that would hurt our economy badly. we can get that done. >> reporter: president obama called for immediate action but there was no vote in the senate. >> we're going to come in at 11:00 a.m. tomorrow morning, and we'll have further announcements perhaps at 11:00 in the morning. i certainly hope so. >> reporter: minority leader mitch mcconnell called vice president biden in for help. biden is now said to be playing a direct role. >> there's no single issue that remains an impossible sticking point. the sticking point appears to be a willingness and interest or frankly the courage to close the deal. >> reporter: if congress doesn't act soon, drastic spending cuts will go into effect and taxes go up for everyone. the tax impact for the average american family, more than $3,400. senate leaders continued to work on the stop gap bill. but sticking points remain. >> there's still significant difference between the two sides. but negotiations continue. >> reporter